FAQS
- Do Bichons Shed?
- Are Bichons good for people with Pet Allergies?
- Are Bichons good with children?
- What is the price of a well bred puppy?
- Are Bichons hard to housebreak?
- Is it a good idea to have more than one Bichon?
- Is it better to buy a male or a female?
- Why do you require the dogs be spayed or neutered?
- What about grooming and coat care?
- How often do they have to go to a groomer?
1. Do Bichons Shed?
No, not in the traditional sense. Bichons lose their coat but the hair remains in the coat and needs lots of brushing and coat care to keep the coat from matting.
2. Are Bichons good for people with Pet Allergies?
Yes they are in most all cases. Since Bichons do not shed, they do not have the pet dander that most all other breeds have. It is usually the dander that causes the problems.
3. Are Bichons good with children?
Most reputable breeders are reluctant to sell a young puppy into a home with children under the age of 6 or 7. For families with children in this age group, it is best to try and find a breeder with an older puppy (9-12) months or start with an older dog. These dog are usually wonderful with children and fast become a valued member of the family.
4. What is the price of a well bred puppy?
The price can vary a bit from breeder to breeder, and depends on what part of the country the breeder lives; however, you are most likely looking at anywhere from $3,000.00 to $4,500.00 and that is with a spay/neuter contract. Older dogs usually over a year old will often go for less and the price depends on the age of the dog. Breeders sometimes have older dogs, maybe Champions that have been used in the breeding program and now are in need of wonderful homes where they can be the “top dog”, loved and adored.
5. Are Bichons hard to housebreak?
They can be slightly willful. Crate training remains the best method for training a dog. Bichons are highly intelligent beings and they will get away with whatever you allow them to. They need a firm, GENTLE, loving hand. Being heavy handed with a Bichon will get you nowhere and will only alienate the affections of the dog. Don’t let a Bichon have the run of the house until you feel he can be trusted. A special area, (see Dog Run on main page) also helps in the process. A Bichon does not need an entire backyard to run.
6. Is it a good idea to have more than one Bichon?
Bichons do great in pairs! It gives them an outlet for their boundless energy and makes life easier for you. It is often a past time just watching them play. We do however recommend you do not buy two puppies from the same litter. They then tend to bond more with each other than with you. Buy one, get that one trained, and then buy the second at least 9 months apart. The first, if already well trained, will assist you training the second!! They keep each other company, especially if you are away from home for long periods of time.
7. Is it better to buy a male or a female?
In this breed, the males actually make the better pets! Yes it’s true! They can be much more loving and are usually easier to housebreak. The girls tend to be a bit more stubborn in that area.
8. Why do you require the dogs be spayed or neutered?
As responsible breeders, we want to insure that the Bichon is bred with the best interest of the breed. We spend allot of time studying pedigrees and breeding for the best qualities and traits of our breed. It requires a complete knowledge of our Breed Standard as well. We also show our dogs which helps us to improve the breed. All reputable breeders will REQUIRE a contract that mandates the puppy be spayed or neutered at the appropriate age.
9. What about grooming and coat care?
Bichons are a high maintenance breed and they do require frequent coat care in the home and should be taken to a professional groomer for grooming. You will need a slicker brush and a greyhound comb and with a puppy you will need to brush the coat almost daily depending on your puppies coat. Since Bichons do not shed, the hair they do loose remains in the coat and will mat quickly if not brushed out. If a Bichons coat mats badly, usually you are left with no choice but to have the dog shaved down.
10. How often do they have to go to a groomer?
Depending on how you choose to keep their coat and how clean you keep them at home. If you keep them in a short pet cut, you can probably get away with every 4 – 5 weeks between professional grooming.